Does Steam Generator Size Matter? Why We Use 3.5kW Generators

We get asked quite a bit whether a 3.5kW steam generator is robust enough to create a complete steam shower experience. The answer is yes — and here's why we've chosen smaller, more efficient generators across our lineup.

A 6.5kW steam generator requires approximately 27 amps, and that doesn't factor in the other power requirements for the enclosure like lighting, fan, and controls. Once you account for those features the total draw can exceed 30 amps, which means larger and more expensive wiring for installation, plus higher monthly electricity costs.

More importantly, the performance difference is minimal. The total time to completely fill a steam cabin with steam using a 6.5kW generator versus a 3.5kW generator is approximately 45 seconds faster. Once the cabin is fully immersed in steam, there's no difference whatsoever in the experience.

Based on industry standard sizing guidelines, a 7kW steam generator is suitable for 101–250 cubic feet (about 14–35 cubic feet per kW). A 3.5kW unit covers 50–125 cubic feet, which falls well within our steam shower size ranges of 80–100 cubic feet — making it a perfectly suited choice.

Having a larger steam generator might sound appealing on paper, but in practice it's louder to operate, costlier to install, costlier to run, and takes up more cabin space — with only a 45-second improvement in steam time to show for it. When designing our steam showers, we've always considered what's best for the customer experience. Our steam generators are sized just right.